How far otherwise had it proved! They pitied her, compassionated her lack of knowledge, of opportunities.

With the perception of this, there came upon her another disillusion In classing the Spences with people who were not "religious," she had understood them as lax in the observance of duties which at all events they recognized as such.

By degrees she learnt that they were very far from holding the same views as herself concerning religious obligation; they were anything but conscience-smitten in the face of her example.

Was it, then, possible that persons who lived in a seemly manner could be sceptics, perhaps "infidels"?
What of Cecily Doran?
She had not dared to ask Cecily face to face how far her disbelief went; the girl seemed to have no creed but that of worldly delight.

How had she killed her conscience in so short a time?
Obviously, her views were those of Mrs.Lessingham; probably those of Mr.Mallard.Were these people strange and dreadful exceptions, or did they represent a whole world of which she had not suspected the existence?
Yes, she was beginning to feel the allurement of Italy.